STAINES councillor Colin Davis has been censured for behaviour brought on by a diabetic episode.

The matter relates to his chairing of an Ashford Pride meeting last March, where he was said to have referred to council officers in a derogatory manner and was disrespectful to members of the public.

The matter was brought before a reconvened meeting of Spelthorne Borough Council’s members code of conduct committee last Friday (January 18).

Cllr Davis was found to have breached the code six times - two of not treating officers with respect, two of bringing his office into disrepute, one of compromising the impartiality of an officer and another for generally conducting himself in a way unbefitting for a councillor.

The borough council said the fact that Cllr Davis was probably unwell at the time played a role in its considerations.

Cllr Davis said: “Given the state of the medical evidence, which was entirely unchallenged, I am a little taken aback by the decision.

"As I had already apologised to all concerned, except Mr Graham [Spelthorne Borough Council's head of corporate governance, Michael Graham], in writing, I am very happy to issue a further written apology if that is what is required.

“While I appreciate many diabetics will find this decision controversial, I am always prepared to take any opportunity for further training.

“I have received numerous messages of support and trust that in the future slips like mine, which were the diabetic equivalent of sneezing, will be given greater understanding.”

Cllr Davis must now undertake training to control his medical condition and his conduct in a public meeting.

For conducting himself in a way which is unbefitting for a councillor, he was censured.